BETHLEHEM: Pilgrims from across the world descended Bethlehem yesterday to begin the global celebration of Christmas after a violence-plagued year brought suffering to many Middle Eastern Christians.
The not-so-little West Bank town was bustling with activity ahead of the biggest night of the year which will culminate in midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity. Scouts playing bagpipes and drums marched to the church in a procession led by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch Fuad Twal, the top Catholic cleric in the Holy Land.
Outside the church at Manger Square, a man dressed as Father Christmas handed out sweets next to a giant green Christmas tree decorated with red, black and silver baubles — the colours of the Palestinian flag.
But for many faithful across the region, the festivities will be tinged with sadness following a year of bloodshed marked by a surge in the persecution of Christians that has drawn international condemnation.
“For many of you, the music of your Christmas hymns will also be accompanied by tears and sighs,” Pope Francis wrote in a long letter addressed to Christians in the Middle East.
In Baghdad, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako said about 150,000 Christians had been displaced by an offensive spearheaded by IS, which has targeted Christians and other minorities.
In Syria, Christians in Homs were enjoying their first Christmas in three years in the Hamidiyeh neighbourhood.
Ahead of the midnight mass in Bethlehem, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas laid out his own Christmas wish-list.
“This Christmas we deliver a very special message to the world: All I want for Christmas is justice,” he said as the Palestinians press a major diplomatic push at the United Nations to seek an end to Israel’s decades-long occupation.
AFP
